Background:

• Born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
• ^ October 15th, 1938
• Born into a middle class family
• Mother- Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Feminist activist in the anti-colonial movement
• Father- Reverand Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, Protestant minister and school principle   
• Died because of AIDS
• ^ August 3rd, 1997

• Singer- bandleader, became the ” the king of Afrobeat” (1967), songs mostly sung in pidgin
• ^^Afrobeat- blend of African percussion and traditional sounds with jazz, funk, and chanting vocals
• ^^Pidgin- A language that most understood
• Activist- sung about social issues within Nigeria, opponent of African Military forces, denounced corruption towards government, had ideas of creating a place open to every African escaping persecution

What were Fela Kuti’s Political Views/Oppressions?

• Supported traditional religions and lifestyles
•  European cultural Imperialism
• ^thought that the most important thing for Africans is to fight this
• called for a united, democratic African republic
• thought his fellow Africans (mostly upper class) were betraying traditional African culture
• saw a corrupt, militaristic government

How did Fela Kuti react/What was his resistance? 

• changed the lyrics in his songs from love subjects to social issues
• Adressed a number of topics in songs- many songs were direct attacks against dictatorship (specifically militaristic governments of Nigeria- 1970’s and 1980’s)
• produced many new songs, released new albums
• ^A significant album- “Zombie” , scathing attack on Nigerian soldiers metaphorically using a zombie to describe the methods of the Nigerian military…*To hear Fela Kuti’s song Zombie, click here
• Formed a political party- “Movement of the People”